Virtual Homecoming 2021  

February 7 - 13, 2021 

UNF Homecoming is an exciting week-long celebration with something for everyone: students and alumni, faculty and staff, family and friends. Follow along with us as we add event details, registration and ticket links as Homecoming draws closer!

Schedule of Events 

   Sunday, Feb 7 - UNF Blue at the Zoo Day

Feb 7 - 13 Swoop Your Loop Virtual 5k and Fun Run  

Feb 9 - 13 UNF Blue and Gray Online Auction

Wednesday, Feb 10 – Alumni Recognition Awards Ceremony

Friday, Feb 12 – 1972 Emeriti & Friends Virtual Recognition

Friday, Feb 12 - Game Changer: The Evolution of Homecoming and UNF Basketball

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, March 10 - UNF Giving Day

UNF Blue at the Zoo Day     

It's UNF Day at the Jacksonville Zoo and we are taking over by wearing Blue at the Zoo. Purchase your Zoo tickets online and stop by on Sunday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST. Alumni are encouraged to “wear blue to the Zoo” to show their Osprey spirit.

UNF alumni and family who are interested in attending should purchase their General Admission Tickets online (note: must be General Admission tickets, NOT Total Experience Tickets) at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens website. They will then receive complimentary Total Experience passes on February 7 when they check-in with the Alumni Association table at the park entrance and show proof of General Admission Ticket purchase.
The complimentary Total Experience pass includes giraffe and stingray feedings as well as train and carousel rides. Limited Total Experience passes are available and are FCFS. UNF Departments will have tables throughout the Zoo as well. Guests are encouraged to wear masks, stay with their group, and observe social distancing protocol. Please direct questions about UNF Blue at the Zoo Day to Emily Putnam, Alumni Events Coordinator, at e.putnam@unf.edu

Purchase your Zoo Tickets here. 

  UNF Blue and Gray Online Auction     

Have you been dreaming of a getaway? On the hunt for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? We’ll have all of that and more for you in our first Blue and Gray Online Auction taking place during Homecoming Week!

The auction goes live on Tuesday, February 9 at 10 a.m. EST
and ends Saturday, February 13 at 10 p.m. EST.
Bidding has never been easier thanks to our new platform! You can browse items and bid at any time, and you’ll receive a text message if you’ve been outbid so you can quickly reclaim your spot at the top. Winners will be notified via text at the end of the auction, and items can be picked up the following week at Alumni Hall (winners outside of the Jacksonville area can opt for shipping). 

With donations from an array of local businesses and national companies and UNF alumni and friends, you are sure to find the perfect trip, spa day, jewelry, or sports package for yourself or special someone. And what’s even better? Your winning bid goes directly to support the UNF student athlete experience! 

Preview auction items here

Game Changer: The Evolution of Homecoming and UNF Basketball

Homecoming is a long-standing American tradition where colleges welcome alumni back to campus and the community. A centerpiece of UNF’s homecoming celebrations each spring is Osprey Basketball games. 

This year, Homecoming will be celebrated a little differently, yet it still shares many features of past years. This online event on Friday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. will encompass the spirit of our annual tradition where alumni, students, fans and community members come to honor UNF traditions and history. Game Changer will showcase our athletic community and highlight the evolution of UNF Homecoming and UNF Basketball. Watch the show on the Alumni Association Facebook or YouTube Channel.

Swoop Your Loop Virtual 5k and Fun Run     

Alumni, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register for the virtual Swoop Your Loop 5k and Fun Run. Runners should complete their 5k or Fun Run on their favorite route between February 7 and February 13. During this virtual run, participants can complete any distance at the pace of their choosing.

Tickets are $35. Each runner that registers will receive a medal and UNF hat sent to them via USPS while supplies last. Runners are encouraged to share their photos and running accomplishments on the Leaderboard and on social media using #UNFSwoopYourLoop. Sign up at https://unfalumni.v5k.run/.

Swoop YOUR Loop Registration Here

 
 Alumni Recognition Awards Ceremony  

Celebrate your fellow alumni during this prestigious event hosted by President David M. Szymanski, Vice President of University Development and Alumni Engagement Ann McCullen and Alumni Association President Jessica Cummings. The Alumni Association will be presenting the Honorary Alumni Award, Alumni Service Award, Young Alumni Achievement Award and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.

Alumni Recognition Award registration here

1972 Emeriti & Friends Virtual Reception  

We are hosting an online recognition of UNF Emeriti and Friends. Let them know how much they mean to you with a personalized note or letter of recognition. To submit a letter click the link below and email your completed letter to unf-alumni@unf.edu. We will mail your letter directly to the recipient!

Emeriti & Friends Letter Here

Homecoming FAQ

 
Are all of the homecoming events virtual?

      Not quite! Participate safely in person at UNF Blue at the Zoo Day. Submitting a letter to an Emeriti is another great way to reach someone in person.

Is Swoop Your Loop on a specific day?

      This year, you are swooping YOUR loop, which means you go at your own pace in your own space. The official race day is Saturday, February 13, but you can start at the beginning of Homecoming week and take the 5k or Fun Run at your own time.  

What is in the race box for Swoop Your Loop?

     In the race box you will receive a UNF hat, a medal for your accomplishment and a running bib. Share your success by tagging the Alumni Association using the #UNFSwoopYourLoop hashtag. 

How to I submit a letter to an Emeriti?

      Click the link provided in the Emeriti and Friends description above. Email your letter to unf-alumni@unf.edu and we will ensure the Emeriti will receives your letter.

How do I RSVP for Homecoming?

      Click the registration links provided above for all relevant events. To RSVP for all events, you can visit the UNF Homecoming Facebook event page.

Is there anyway to locally participate in Homecoming events?

       On Sunday, February 7, we are participating in UNF Blue at the Zoo Day, with free extra passes for Ospreys and tables from the University offering free swag.

How do I receive my Extra Pass on UNF Blue at the Zoo Day?

      Purchase your General Admission tickets online and stop by the Alumni Association table at the Jacksonville Zoo on Sunday, February 7 between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. to receive your free Total Experience Pass. Please note, Total Experience passes are limited and first-come, first-served.